Deterioration of Human Rights in Russia Since the War, Says UN Expert

The human rights situation in Russia has significantly worsened since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a report by a United Nations expert. The report highlights a systematic crackdown on civil society, including mass arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill-treatment of detainees. This is the first time the UN Human Rights Council has examined the record of one of its "P5" members. Russia has previously denied targeting civilians in Ukraine and criticized criticism of its domestic rights record. The report calls for redress and renewal of the UN expert's mandate, which European Union countries are set to seek.